Rules for H.R. 2 as established by the Rules Committee: The House will hold six minutes of debate on this bill. The majority will have three minutes. The minority will have three minutes. Members will be limited to one minute each. Amendments will be considered. In order for your amendment to be considered from the floor, you must submit a copy of the amendment BEFORE the House convenes tomorrow at 9:15. You must include your specific amendment and a one to two sentence explanation of the amendments consideration. The House will hold five minutes of debate on the amendments before proceeding to a vote. To view some real rules on amendments, check out this page.
H.R. 2
To provide grants for states with major ports and to regulate incoming foreign cargo.
To provide grants for states with major ports and to regulate incoming foreign cargo.
Be it enacted by the Members of the McGehee Model Congress
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1: TITLE
This Act may be cited as the "Save Lives on the Home Front: Increase Port Security Act of 2008
SECTION 2: PURPOSES
1. To provide categorical grants for states with major ports to finance radiation detectors.
2. Foreign companies must approve their cargo with an official stamp, acknowledging that the cargo contains only safe materials.
SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY
A state will be eligible to receive funding for radiation detectors if it:
a. contains a major port (examples: Los Angeles, New Orleans, Houston, New York City, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Portland, Miami)
SECTION 4: TERMS AND BENEFITS
Port Security is a joint responsibility between states, private ownerships, and the federal government.
Private ownership and the states will each be responsible for 25% of the funding for port security. The remaining 50% will be provided by federal categorical grants from the Department of Homeland Security.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) will be responsible for placing a temporary ban on foreign companies who refuse to abide by the "safe stamp" regulations.
If the foreign companies fail to approve their cargo by 2012, the WTO will commence the bans.
By 2015, all major ports should have applied and received funding for radiation detectors.
SECTION 5: FINDINGS
1. 80% of the Los Angeles Port terminals are controlled by foreign companies.
2. Approximately 7% of incoming cargo to the United States is physically examined.
3. Only 37% of incoming cargo is put through radiation detectors.
4. The U.S. has 361 ports that are susceptible to terrorist attacks.
5. Over 9 million cargo containers enter the United States each year.
Thompson History 11 12 February 2008 National Security: Ports How does this issue have an impact on people? The environment? Are there any case studies you could refer to support your ideas? •Affects their own security •9/11 When did this issue first surface? •9/11 •The fact that containers and cargo are rarely checked began to gain more attention after the terrorist attacks (4) What is the parties’ position on your issue? •Bi-partisan issue •Think it is criminal that only 6% of cargo gets checked What current legislation is under consideration in Congress on your issue? Refer to specific bills by name. What is the bill title? Who sponsored it? What is the bill’s purpose? •Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) (4) oMeant increase port security oCongress could not decide on how to fund the bill oLook to website for outline of the bill §Assess all ships with cargo, develop security plans, regulation for secure ports, millions of dollars to be awarded to safety research and development teams, etc. oThe bill only funded the Coast Guard •Both parties oppose a foreign government-controlled company taking control of the ports because they believe that it will make the country vulnerable to terrorism •“President Bush, who has appeared stunned at the opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike over the deal involving one of the country's few close Arab allies” (5) •Blocking the Dubai deal would look ‘good’ for the Democrats because Republicans have usually been the frontrunners for national security (5) oVictory for both sides Changes Made Since 9/11 •Increased funding for port security by 700% (1) •‘Multi-layered’ strategy of defense (1) oScreens and inspects cargo oAt least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto a ship, all information about the cargo must be provided oCustoms Trade Partnership Against Terrorism: created to improve security standards for cargo security oTechnology (x-ray and gamma ray machines) to screen cargo •$630 million to major ports – Baltimore, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia (1) Port Defense •U.S. Customs and Border Protection (1) oPrevents not only terrorists, but weapons associated with them, from entering the US oScreens information before it is loaded onto a ship heading towards the US •Coast Guard (1) oExamine US port system and seeing if they meet the standards of the Maritime Transportation and Security Act & the Ports and Waterways Security Act oRequires that each port creates a security plan oWorks with local port authorities and law enforcement agencies §Makes sure everything runs accordingly •Terminal Operator (1) oOperates a terminal within the port §Makes it so that one person, or group of people, is not checking the entire port, and instead just checking one part of it •Port Authority (1) oBody of government that owns and manages the make up of the port oMakes sure that cargo moves effectively oDeals with safety issues within port boundaries Potential Threats •February 2006: “an Arab company was poised to oversee terminals at six major U.S. seaports” (2) oGeorge Bush supported an Arab company controlling key US ports §Easy access for them to enter the US •Los Angeles Port: 80% of the terminals are controlled by foreign company (2) oHow is this safe? •“Bush says a company from the UAE, a U.S. ally in the war on terrorism, shouldn't be treated any differently than other companies that seek to do business here. But the tiny Persian Gulf nation was a base of operations for two 9/11 hijackers” (2) à I need help on this topic – a bit confused •James Loy, former deputy secretary for the Department of Homeland Security and a retired commandant of the Coast Guard oBelieves the US needs to fill the gaps in port-security programs (2) §These gaps leave 360 ports open for terrorist attacks oUS ports need to install radiation detectors (2) •Inspections should not be done overseas – must be done in the US •“the Homeland Security Department acknowledges that by the time a pair of jeans ends up in someone's shopping cart in Ohio, the chance that the container in which they were shipped was inspected by a U.S. agent is less than 10%” (2) •Dubai should not be allowed to control our ports – leaves the US vulnerable to terrorism (2) •Checking is seldom – it is easy for terrorists to get weapons into the US (2) •Dubai Ports World (3) oGovernment has had ‘questionable links’ to terrorism in the past oWhy should we let them control our ports? oDubai – midpoint for sale of nuclear weapons to Korea, Iran, Libya (3) •9/11 oMoney used to aid the terrorist attacks was ‘funneled’ through Dubai (3) What needs to be done? •All major ports should be equipped with drive-through radiation detectors (2) oCurrently, only 37% of the ports have radiation detectors •Less foreign ownership of ports (2) oEx: New York/New Jersey Port – 3/5 terminals are under foreign control Opposing Arguments •By not letting foreign countries control US ports (such as Dubai Port World), we are hurting our economy (3) oOur country thrives off of foreign trade/goods oDubai is an ally – why bad? •The US would become isolationist again which would be detrimental (3) •Not a threat to our security (3) Past Bills: Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act (1) •Creates an international committee to insure all cargo is transported safely and securely •US Coast Guard aids other foreign ports in training methods oHelps improve foreign ports, and provide equipment for them, that transport materials to the US •Security plan to outline the Coast Guard aid to the foreign ports •Creates a regional response to port security •Coast Guard national resource security plan to meet security requirements •The Secretary must make sure that Coast Guard members inspecting cargo coming into the US have completed the required training •Technology used at ports •Status: stuck in committee America’s Border Security Act of 2007 (2) •Assist the Secretary of Homeland Security oCarry out surveillance activities •Use of Department of Defense •Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism Trade-Related American National Security Enhancement and Accountability Act (3) •National security regarding trade •United States Trade Representative must report to Congress on the material being before negotiations are made with a foreign country oMust outline any potential threats •President must authorize US trade agreements with foreign nations •Congressional Executive Commission on Trade Security oCommunicate with Congress about the ongoing processes 1. “Securing U.S. Ports.” 12 July 2006. U.S. Customs Border and Protection. 14 February 2008. <http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/port_security/securing_us_ports.xml>. 2. “Security issues go beyond ports flap.” 23 February 2006. USA Today. 14 February 2008. <http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-02-22-ports-flap_x.htm>. 3. “Ports company will delay takeover.” 24 February 2006. CNN. 14 February 2008. <http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/23/port.security/>. 4. Robinson, Carl. “Terrorism Project.” 21 January 2003. CDI. 14 February 2008. <http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/maritimesecurity.cfm>. 5. Sanger, David, and David Cloud. “Dubai Company Delays New Role at Six U.S. Ports.” 24 February 2006. New York Times. 14 February 2008. <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/24/politics/24ports.html>. 6. Porteus, Liza. “ Dubai Co. to Give Up Stake in U.S. Ports Deal.” 10 March 2006. Fox News. 14 February 2008. <http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,187307,00.html>. 7. The Library of Congress. “Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act.” 2007. 15 February 2008. <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN01594:@@@D&summ2=m&>. 8. The Library of Congress. “America’s Border Security Act of 2007.” 2007. 15 February 2008. <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR03469:@@@D&summ2=m&>. 9. The Library of Congress. “Trade-Related American National Security Enhancement and Accountability Act.” 2007. 15 February 2008. <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR03214:@@@D&summ2=m&>.
Resources:
This article is a few years old but take a look at the port operations interactive link. It gives you a good overview of the types of security provided by the federal govt. at the ports. http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/23/port.security/
Representative Fritchie (CA-R)
Rules for H.R. 2 as established by the Rules Committee: The House will hold six minutes of debate on this bill. The majority will have three minutes. The minority will have three minutes. Members will be limited to one minute each. Amendments will be considered. In order for your amendment to be considered from the floor, you must submit a copy of the amendment BEFORE the House convenes tomorrow at 9:15. You must include your specific amendment and a one to two sentence explanation of the amendments consideration. The House will hold five minutes of debate on the amendments before proceeding to a vote. To view some real rules on amendments, check out this page.
H.R. 2
To provide grants for states with major ports and to regulate incoming foreign cargo.
IN THE MCGEHEE MODEL CONGRESS
FEBRUARY 21, 2008
Sponsored by: Ms. Fritchie and Ms. Weston (for themselves, Ms. Gregorio, Ms. McHenry, Ms. Baker, Ms. Radosta, Ms. Ashman, Ms. Monteleone, Ms. Exnicios, Ms. Preston)
A Bill
To provide grants for states with major ports and to regulate incoming foreign cargo.
Be it enacted by the Members of the McGehee Model Congress
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1: TITLE
This Act may be cited as the "Save Lives on the Home Front: Increase Port Security Act of 2008
SECTION 2: PURPOSES
1. To provide categorical grants for states with major ports to finance radiation detectors.
2. Foreign companies must approve their cargo with an official stamp, acknowledging that the cargo contains only safe materials.
SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY
A state will be eligible to receive funding for radiation detectors if it:
a. contains a major port (examples: Los Angeles, New Orleans, Houston, New York City, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Portland, Miami)
SECTION 4: TERMS AND BENEFITS
Port Security is a joint responsibility between states, private ownerships, and the federal government.
Private ownership and the states will each be responsible for 25% of the funding for port security. The remaining 50% will be provided by federal categorical grants from the Department of Homeland Security.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) will be responsible for placing a temporary ban on foreign companies who refuse to abide by the "safe stamp" regulations.
If the foreign companies fail to approve their cargo by 2012, the WTO will commence the bans.
By 2015, all major ports should have applied and received funding for radiation detectors.
SECTION 5: FINDINGS
1. 80% of the Los Angeles Port terminals are controlled by foreign companies.
2. Approximately 7% of incoming cargo to the United States is physically examined.
3. Only 37% of incoming cargo is put through radiation detectors.
4. The U.S. has 361 ports that are susceptible to terrorist attacks.
5. Over 9 million cargo containers enter the United States each year.
Additional resources: http://www.aapa-ports.org/search/SearchResults2.cfm?QUICKSEARCH=%20port%20security&BTNSEARCH.X=0&BTNSEARCH.Y=0
Transcript from committee hearing the SAFE Port Act of 2006===very helpful! http://homeland.house.gov/hearings/index.asp?ID=97
Thompson
History 11
12 February 2008
National Security: Ports
How does this issue have an impact on people? The environment? Are there any case studies you could refer to support your ideas?
• Affects their own security
• 9/11
When did this issue first surface?
• 9/11
• The fact that containers and cargo are rarely checked began to gain more attention after the terrorist attacks (4)
What is the parties’ position on your issue?
• Bi-partisan issue
• Think it is criminal that only 6% of cargo gets checked
What current legislation is under consideration in Congress on your issue? Refer to specific bills by name. What is the bill title? Who sponsored it? What is the bill’s purpose?
• Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) (4)
o Meant increase port security
o Congress could not decide on how to fund the bill
o Look to website for outline of the bill
§ Assess all ships with cargo, develop security plans, regulation for secure ports, millions of dollars to be awarded to safety research and development teams, etc.
o The bill only funded the Coast Guard
• Both parties oppose a foreign government-controlled company taking control of the ports because they believe that it will make the country vulnerable to terrorism
• “President Bush, who has appeared stunned at the opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike over the deal involving one of the country's few close Arab allies” (5)
• Blocking the Dubai deal would look ‘good’ for the Democrats because Republicans have usually been the frontrunners for national security (5)
o Victory for both sides
Changes Made Since 9/11
• Increased funding for port security by 700% (1)
• ‘Multi-layered’ strategy of defense (1)
o Screens and inspects cargo
o At least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto a ship, all information about the cargo must be provided
o Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism: created to improve security standards for cargo security
o Technology (x-ray and gamma ray machines) to screen cargo
• $630 million to major ports – Baltimore, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia (1)
Port Defense
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (1)
o Prevents not only terrorists, but weapons associated with them, from entering the US
o Screens information before it is loaded onto a ship heading towards the US
• Coast Guard (1)
o Examine US port system and seeing if they meet the standards of the Maritime Transportation and Security Act & the Ports and Waterways Security Act
o Requires that each port creates a security plan
o Works with local port authorities and law enforcement agencies
§ Makes sure everything runs accordingly
• Terminal Operator (1)
o Operates a terminal within the port
§ Makes it so that one person, or group of people, is not checking the entire port, and instead just checking one part of it
• Port Authority (1)
o Body of government that owns and manages the make up of the port
o Makes sure that cargo moves effectively
o Deals with safety issues within port boundaries
Potential Threats
• February 2006: “an Arab company was poised to oversee terminals at six major U.S. seaports” (2)
o George Bush supported an Arab company controlling key US ports
§ Easy access for them to enter the US
• Los Angeles Port: 80% of the terminals are controlled by foreign company (2)
o How is this safe?
• “Bush says a company from the UAE, a U.S. ally in the war on terrorism, shouldn't be treated any differently than other companies that seek to do business here. But the tiny Persian Gulf nation was a base of operations for two 9/11 hijackers” (2) à I need help on this topic – a bit confused
• James Loy, former deputy secretary for the Department of Homeland Security and a retired commandant of the Coast Guard
o Believes the US needs to fill the gaps in port-security programs (2)
§ These gaps leave 360 ports open for terrorist attacks
o US ports need to install radiation detectors (2)
• Inspections should not be done overseas – must be done in the US
• “the Homeland Security Department acknowledges that by the time a pair of jeans ends up in someone's shopping cart in Ohio, the chance that the container in which they were shipped was inspected by a U.S. agent is less than 10%” (2)
• Dubai should not be allowed to control our ports – leaves the US vulnerable to terrorism (2)
• Checking is seldom – it is easy for terrorists to get weapons into the US (2)
• Dubai Ports World (3)
o Government has had ‘questionable links’ to terrorism in the past
o Why should we let them control our ports?
o Dubai – midpoint for sale of nuclear weapons to Korea, Iran, Libya (3)
• 9/11
o Money used to aid the terrorist attacks was ‘funneled’ through Dubai (3)
What needs to be done?
• All major ports should be equipped with drive-through radiation detectors (2)
o Currently, only 37% of the ports have radiation detectors
• Less foreign ownership of ports (2)
o Ex: New York/New Jersey Port – 3/5 terminals are under foreign control
Opposing Arguments
• By not letting foreign countries control US ports (such as Dubai Port World), we are hurting our economy (3)
o Our country thrives off of foreign trade/goods
o Dubai is an ally – why bad?
• The US would become isolationist again which would be detrimental (3)
• Not a threat to our security (3)
Past Bills:
Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act (1)
• Creates an international committee to insure all cargo is transported safely and securely
• US Coast Guard aids other foreign ports in training methods
o Helps improve foreign ports, and provide equipment for them, that transport materials to the US
• Security plan to outline the Coast Guard aid to the foreign ports
• Creates a regional response to port security
• Coast Guard national resource security plan to meet security requirements
• The Secretary must make sure that Coast Guard members inspecting cargo coming into the US have completed the required training
• Technology used at ports
• Status: stuck in committee
America’s Border Security Act of 2007 (2)
• Assist the Secretary of Homeland Security
o Carry out surveillance activities
• Use of Department of Defense
• Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism
Trade-Related American National Security Enhancement and Accountability Act (3)
• National security regarding trade
• United States Trade Representative must report to Congress on the material being before negotiations are made with a foreign country
o Must outline any potential threats
• President must authorize US trade agreements with foreign nations
• Congressional Executive Commission on Trade Security
o Communicate with Congress about the ongoing processes
1. “Securing U.S. Ports.” 12 July 2006. U.S. Customs Border and Protection. 14 February 2008. <http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/port_security/securing_us_ports.xml>.
2. “Security issues go beyond ports flap.” 23 February 2006. USA Today. 14 February 2008. <http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-02-22-ports-flap_x.htm>.
3. “Ports company will delay takeover.” 24 February 2006. CNN. 14 February 2008. <http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/23/port.security/>.
4. Robinson, Carl. “Terrorism Project.” 21 January 2003. CDI. 14 February 2008. <http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/maritimesecurity.cfm>.
5. Sanger, David, and David Cloud. “Dubai Company Delays New Role at Six U.S. Ports.” 24 February 2006. New York Times. 14 February 2008. <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/24/politics/24ports.html>.
6. Porteus, Liza. “ Dubai Co. to Give Up Stake in U.S. Ports Deal.” 10 March 2006. Fox News. 14 February 2008. <http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,187307,00.html>.
7. The Library of Congress. “Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act.” 2007. 15 February 2008. <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN01594:@@@D&summ2=m&>.
8. The Library of Congress. “America’s Border Security Act of 2007.” 2007. 15 February 2008. <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR03469:@@@D&summ2=m&>.
9. The Library of Congress. “Trade-Related American National Security Enhancement and Accountability Act.” 2007. 15 February 2008. <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR03214:@@@D&summ2=m&>.
Resources: